Lanterns
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Metal, Brass, Wire
1940s Moroccan Vintage Lanterns
Brass
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass, Nickel
20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Lanterns
Enamel, Iron
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Lanterns
Wrought Iron, Bronze
Mid-20th Century Italian Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Iron
19th Century Central American Rustic Antique Lanterns
Wrought Iron, Tin
20th Century American Lanterns
Copper
1920s English Vintage Lanterns
Bronze
20th Century French Lanterns
Copper
2010s American Mission Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Mid-18th Century Danish Baroque Antique Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
1950s French Vintage Lanterns
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Lanterns
Metal, Wire
Early 20th Century French Empire Lanterns
Bronze
20th Century Regency Lanterns
Brass, Bronze
20th Century Bohemian Lanterns
Brass
Early 1900s American Antique Lanterns
Wrought Iron
Mid-20th Century Portuguese Art Nouveau Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century European Gothic Revival Lanterns
Metal, Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century French Gothic Revival Lanterns
Metal, Wrought Iron
20th Century Regency Lanterns
Brass, Nickel
1960s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
21st Century and Contemporary North American Lanterns
Metal
1960s French Vintage Lanterns
Crystal, Silver Plate
20th Century Japanese Showa Lanterns
Bamboo, Paper
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Glass
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Brass, Bronze
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
20th Century Regency Lanterns
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Lanterns
Bronze
Mid-20th Century Italian Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Chrome
1940s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
1950s French Neoclassical Vintage Lanterns
Brass
Early 20th Century European Aesthetic Movement Lanterns
Brass, Wire
Late 20th Century English Georgian Lanterns
Brass
1920s Italian Vintage Lanterns
Metal
20th Century American American Classical Lanterns
Glass
1960s Italian Empire Vintage Lanterns
Brass
1960s Vintage Lanterns
Blown Glass
20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Lanterns
Metal
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lanterns
Brass
1960s Moroccan Vintage Lanterns
Metal
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Iron
Late 19th Century French French Provincial Antique Lanterns
Metal
Mid-20th Century French Country Lanterns
Brass
Late 19th Century French Islamic Antique Lanterns
Enamel
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Lanterns
Aluminum
1990s Unknown Art Deco Lanterns
Metal
1930s Italian Art Deco Vintage Lanterns
Murano Glass
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Lanterns
Lead
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Moorish Lanterns
Glass
1890s French Louis XVI Antique Lanterns
Bronze
1890s French Napoleon III Antique Lanterns
Brass
Vintage, New and Antique Lanterns
Whether you’re in search of a functional fixture to help illuminate a room or just a minimalist ornamental touch, the choice of lighting is important. Selecting the perfect vintage, new or antique lanterns can transform an otherwise monotonous space in your home.
In the 1700s, lanterns became widely popular when accessibility broadened for whale oil, as fuel for lamps was one of its earliest uses. Lantern design evolved considerably during the mid- to late 19th century, when a powerful, adaptable fuel came into play: kerosene. Portable and immediately sought after, kerosene lamps were traditionally surrounded by a glass globe or tube that sat on a metal frame to protect the flame from spreading or extinguishing. (While reproductions abound, antique kerosene lanterns have since become collector's items.)
Later, in 1862, John H. Irwin created coil oil lamps, which were designed for coal oils as well as kerosene and lessened the risk of fire. They required plentiful oxygen to remain lit, and with refinements, the lamps could be used indoors. Lanterns increasingly came to be part of commercial spaces such as museums and theaters, and over time, lighting artisans worked to refine and perfect these innovative fixtures so that they weren’t only practical but also elegant, sophisticated additions to home decor.
Antiques inject a touch of classical chic into any space. With the right lantern, you could also deepen the impact of the collection of vases and vessels, sculptures or other decorative objects in a living room or dining room. It’s essential to find a balance between utility and aesthetics when choosing the perfect vintage–style lantern for your space, and the right lighting decisions can determine the underlying mood of a room as well as enhance the choices you’ve made for your home’s decor. While old-time charm is something to be cherished, there is lots to love in modern lanterns from today’s top furniture designers.
On 1stDibs, search by creator to find lanterns crafted by the likes of Woka Lamps, Barovier & Toso and Material Lust or browse the collection by style. From today’s standouts to mid-century modern classics to Art Deco–era innovations, find the best vintage, new or antique lantern for you now.